Cadiz manager Sergio Gonzalez Soriano has explained why the La Liga side pushed to face Erik ten Hag‘s Manchester United during the winter break.
The twenty-time league champions face Cadiz at 7pm tomorrow night at the Nuevo Mirandilla, in what is the first of two friendlies against La Liga opposition on Spanish turf for Ten Hag’s men.
The Dutchman’s youthful 29-man squad will face Europa League side Real Betis, who are managed by former Manchester City and Real Madrid manager Manuel Pellegrini, on Saturday.
Cadiz currently sit 19th in La Liga after 14 games, but their manager wanted to play against a “high-level” club before the domestic season resumed later this month, following the conclusion of the World Cup.
Speaking via the club’s website, Sergio said: “It is a test in which the club has made an important effort for a high-level club to come and play in Cadiz, to come and visit us.
“It is perfect for us to have players who play 45 minutes against an imposing, demanding, attractive opponent, which will make the field a party. Hopefully we can make it a good game.”
Cadiz manager explains why the La Liga side pushed to face Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United during winter break
The Spaniard, who took the reins at Cadiz back in January, is relishing the prospect of pitting his wits against Ten Hag’s side.
Sergio added: “The match is attractive, we complement the tasks of the week against an imposing opponent. It is an important opportunity.
“Personally, it is a rival that brings me very good memories of my time as a player. It will also be an enjoyment as coach of Cadiz to measure ourselves against a rival of this size”.
The former Real Valladolid and Espanyol manager played at the 2002 World Cup for Spain and picked up 11 caps for La Roja.
He was also part of the Deportivo La Coruna side that reached the 2003-04 Champions League semi-finals before being beaten by eventual winners FC Porto, who were managed by Jose Mourinho and had beaten Sir Alex Ferguson’s Red Devils en-route to winning the competition.
Sergio faced the Busby Babes four times as a player. He won two and lost twice against Fergie’s men.
He scored Deportivo’s first goal in a 3-2 Champions League group stage win against the Red Devils at the Theatre of Dreams in October 2001.
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